Review of The Conquest (2011) by J.j. W — 23 Jun 2012

The Conquest is interesting in that it shows only exactly what is necessary to run a successful political campaign. It's just interesting that the movie's idea of "necessary" only includes talks and schemes behind closed doors.

In a lot of political drama, we always see a juxtaposition between the public side and the private side. However, the Conquest is all about being in places that only actually matter. Which isn't out in the public getting in touch with the people electing the figure, but discussing with a few select individual in the powerful ruling class.

It's a nice idea and message but that approach can't carry the entire film. Denis Podalydes' performance as the very ambitious Sarkozy is chilling to watch at times and that definitely helps but the film peters out in the final half where there doesn't seem to be much of a point to the plot's conclusion.

The Conquest is a film that's satirical while still trying to be respectful and that's very admirable, but there are a lot of times where the film plays it a little too safe and ends up not really developing anything.

It's a fascinating watch, but you have to invest a lot in order to get the most out of this movie. Yet, when it all comes together, you do appreciate it that it showed restraint to not overplay the political game as so many political movies do to try to push the drama.

Director Durringer really understands how to capture the, almost farcical, nature of french politics while writer Rotman showed extreme discipline in the writing to keep the melodrama at a minimum.